5 most important messages from the head of Škoda. We have some problems, he admitted – AutoTN.cz

There is no dispute about the position of the brand as such, but there is a critical discussion about the distribution of supply and production of cars. This is a message from the new head of Škoda Auto, Thomas Schäfer, who presented it to employees through trade unions. How did he react to the most burning questions? Take a look at his most important reactions, which were reported by the Škoda Trade Union magazine.

Will Skoda only produce cheap cars?

“Our models provide a great price-performance ratio, positively surprise with space and easy operation,” Schäfer emphasized the advantages of Škoda cars with an important addition: Czech-brand cars must remain affordable for most customers. “Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Opel and the French are our key competitors, we will attack there,” he said.

What is the future of Superb?

Recently, there has been a lot of talk about the future of the Czech brand’s premieres – the Superb and Kodiaq models. The production of Superb should move to Bratislava together with Passat.

And Kodiaq is said to be headed for Germany. “At the same time, it is a car that earns well, it helps maintain employment in the same way as the Superb,” ​​says Jaroslav Povšík, the leader of the Škoda unions.

Rather, Schäfer only hinted at the future strategy – according to him, it is important to do our utmost to make full use of Czech plants and ensure full employment, and it would be a mistake not to make full use of the modern and economically well-functioning Czech factory in Kvasiny, where Superb is produced from the beginning. That there would be a chance for Superb to stay in the Czech Republic at least partially?

Why an expensive electric car?

Schäfer also commented on the production of the new electric SUV Enyaq, which premiered in early September. Does such a model even have a chance of success when the price basically exceeds one million crowns?

According to the new head Enyaq, the carmaker needs not only to meet the strict CO2 emissions ordered by the European Union in the overall mix of models, but also to have something to offer customers who will demand cars with alternative propulsion. In the coming years, electric vehicles will occupy parts of the markets and Škoda must be competitive, Schäfer explained.

How serious are the software issues?

Employees of the carmaker have recently sharply complained about problems in the production of Enyaq and Octavia of the fourth generation. According to them, production is dramatically stagnant due to problems with software and hardware.

That’s what Schäfer admits. “We now have certain software problems in the group that need to be solved, and we will solve them as well. But no one will be able to solve it publicly,” said the chairman of the board.

A difficult relationship with Volkswagen?

At a meeting of the works council, which is the main coordinating body of the Škoda Auto unions, Schäfer also explained the current relations with the management of the Volkswagen Group. The Czechs are afraid that VW wants to “suffocate Škoda at the bottom”. But the new boss wants to represent the Škoda brand more strongly in Wolfsburg. So that it is beneficial for both parties. “We are successful, we have great ideas and sometimes even better cars than in the parent company, which then leads to envy. I hope that I will be able to mediate relationships for a quiet job,” he said.

Its goal is to further strengthen the brand and show the Volkswagen Group what is in the company. “It is clear that sometimes it will not be possible without conflict or quarrel, but I will always defend our goal,” he said. “In many ways and technical solutions, we can be a role model for other brands. My goal is that once I leave, I will leave the company in a better condition than it was when I started, “added the new boss.

– .